Best Baitcaster

[BassinNY]

Shimano Chronarch 50E, Curado 50E or Abu Revo STX, SX, S

[Micro]

I agree with the Curado E recommendation. I've had mine for a few years now, used in fresh and brackish water, and they are as smooth and cast as far as they did on day one.

[dodgeguy]

pflueger president.

[Hooligan]

  On 3/30/2012 at 5:37 PM, flash said:

Well I've fished and I own it...multiple reels in each series...so I'm speaking from experience. They go head to head in my boat every trip this season (roughly 20 trips already)

Where as you speak from second hand knowledge. That's fine you entitled to your opinion but your opinion is based on heresay and what you've read on internet boards, not experience...Fish one then come back and tell me I'm wrong.

Until then I'm not going to argue with you...there's no way possible you could know more about these reels than me because you have no head to head experience with both series.

Again, you're wrong.

[marinetech]

I have owned a ton of reels and not cheap ones either. Every brand out there and of all my reels I have now [ won't mention brands] I love my gold BPS carbonlite the best. Now you can all laugh , but it is my favorite.

[kjud29]

  On 4/1/2012 at 2:03 PM, marinetech said:

I have owned a ton of reels and not cheap ones either. Every brand out there and of all my reels I have now [ won't mention brands] I love my gold BPS carbonlite the best. Now you can all laugh , but it is my favorite.

Ive heard good things about the BPS brand reels. I still might go with a shimano but I'm looking into some BPS brand reels.

[Scorpio]

  On 4/1/2012 at 2:03 PM, marinetech said:

I have owned a ton of reels and not cheap ones either. Every brand out there and of all my reels I have now [ won't mention brands] I love my gold BPS carbonlite the best. Now you can all laugh , but it is my favorite.

Nothing to laugh about, you are right. From a performance perspective, the gold Carbonlites and Shimano Citica E (clearance prices) are the best values in baitcasters today.

[new2BC4bass]

I've been refraining from posting in this thread, but have finally given in. Although I have different models from several manufacturers, there are not only other models from these manufacturers that I haven't tried, but there are many other manufacturers that I haven't tried any of their models, so I'm not qualified to answer your question.

However, I'm going to stick in my $.02 (if worth even that much) anyway. There was an ad for 3 NIB either Curado 50E or 51E reels at that price point. These would make great reels especially if you plan on throwing a lure in the 3/16 oz. range. Some used ones have been offered below your $130 limit. Now if you are going to be casting 3/8 oz. total weight or heavier, than I can suggest the Cabela's Prodigy as another great reel at its price point. Doubly so if purchased on sale. Not familiar with the new model, but I have a previous model that has been cleaned and had a bearing upgrade. This reel is very smooth and solid feeling.

You can find many good reels at that price point especially if willing to buy used. Your biggest problem will be narrowing the choice to just one!

EDIT: This is not to say that the Prodgy won't cast below 3/8 oz., because obviously it can. It is just that the person who did the work for me...and who has vastly more experience than I will ever have...said its best performance started at that weight.